Pittsburgh running back Ray Graham, seen here scoring a touchdown against Temple, was one of three players charged with assault following an October incident. / Charles LeClaire, US Presswire

by Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY Sports

by Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY Sports

Three University of Pittsburgh football players, including running back Ray Graham, have been charged with assault and conspiracy following an incident on Oct. 21 involving three other students, one of whom told police that he was punched in the head following a verbal altercation.

Graham, wide receiver Devin Street and defensive back Lafayette Pitts were not arrested but have been mailed summonses for a preliminary court hearing on Jan. 9.

Graham currently leads the team and is fourth in the Big East in rushing with 622 yards. Street leads the Panthers in receptions (50), receiving yards (695) and receiving touchdowns (4), while Pitts has started every game of this season at cornerback.

One of the students, Karl Olsheki, said that he and two female friends were walking along a street close to campus when he was confronted by Graham, who said, "What's up?" followed by a racial slur. Olsheki said that he tried to walk away but was blocked by Street and Pitts.

He told police that Street then struck him on the left side of his head.

Olsheki first told police that he didn't want to see the players arrested, but did want police to stop the group "so they wouldn't repeat their aggressions at other pedestrians," according to the criminal complaint.

In a statement, the university's athletic department said that all three players "have denied involvement with the situation" and have offered to speak with police, though they have yet to be questioned about the incident.

"We take matters of player discipline very seriously and will continue to cooperate with any investigation," said the statement. "However, we will not, and hope others will not, rush to judgment on these misdemeanor allegations. All three players will remain active members of our program while we gain more clarity on this situation."